Dear readers, ever since Phase 2 Heightened Alert, I have made it a point to stay home more and stopped all my jogging without mask. This is really in view of the increased number of community cases. And I am doing this to protect myself, my family and our community knowing that the latest strain of the Covid-19 is a more infectious one. Recently, I have also gone for a Covid-19 vaccination for better defence against Covid-19.
Working from home has become a default and hours spent working from home and experiencing the same work-related pressures have somehow turned home into office (at least during the working hours). These, coupled with working in a non air-conditioned home environment where the fans cannot stop the unbearable heat do also contribute to a stifling environment. All of the above while working to beat timelines at work.
This is why stepping out from my house and going for long walks solo is therapeutic.
First, it signals a break from the relentless work, an attempt to go back into a more balanced normal life as life should be, made up of different aspects rather than just work and work.
Second, our human bodies are not designed for long hours of sitting. We need exercise. And if jogging outdoors unmasked is not preferred by individuals now, at least we can walk and we walk more to reap more health benefits.
Third, we need some space and “me time”. Covid-19 has somehow changed all our lives in one way or another. I think for many of us, we need some space to digest these changes still. We also need space to step away from the dosage of somehow negative news surrounding Covid-19 daily and to realise that life is how we manage it to be. We need to realise that we can still master our destiny rather than be overwhelmed by Covid-19.
I am thinking of going a long walk later at the end of the work day and enjoy the flowers and scenery. Anyone wants to join me?